Anti Abbott Fever Grips the Nation

Posted by Ashleigh Telford on July 07, 2014

Thousands of people took to the streets yesterday to protest the most unfair and unjust Budget delivered in Australia’s history.

With an estimated 25,000 in Melbourne, 10,000 in Sydney and 1000 in the rest of the capitals and Newcastle, including a hardy bunch weathering the storms in Perth, a diverse cross-section of the community was represented.

The MUA had a strong showing at every march.

Deputy National Secretary Mick Doleman who attended to Sydney rally said it was heartening to see so many people unified in their opposition of the Government and the Budget.

"Abbott and his cronies are intent on attacking working people and Australia's most vulnerable," Doleman said.

"Well we won't stand for it and I think today has shown that if you take away things like universal health care, fair and free education and make massive cuts to welfare, you'll have a hell of a fight on your hands.

“Now is the time for people power, we have to unite to fight not just the Budget but fight this nasty Government to ensure they only get one term.”

At the Sydney rally Unions NSW Secretary Mark Lennon called on the cross benchers to stand up for working Australians and block he Budget.

“If new Senators allow this budget through in its current form it will fundamentally reorient Australia, making us a less fair society. They have a critical opportunity to defend mainstream Australian values,” Mr Lennon said.

“This budget rips $80 billion from health and education and yet at the same time introduces a $7 GP co-payment, shredding Australians’ cherished right to universal health cover through Medicare.

“Australians believe in Medicare because it makes us a better and more inclusive society.

“This budget will also see the introduction of $100,000 degrees, dashing the hopes of kids from working families who aspire to tertiary education.

“And the cuts to welfare, pensions and parenting payments will combine with higher petrol costs to push many households to the brink of financial hardship.

“This is a budget that will change the face of Australian society, propelling us towards US-style inequality.”